A biting chill settled in as freezing fog and a glaze of ice drifted over the Washington, D.C. area after the season’s first snowfall, turning what began as a light snow event into slick travel conditions. Friday morning brought measurable snow across much of the region, with snowfall totals ranging from about 1 to 3 inches in many spots—the first December snowfall here since 2017.
In the wake of the snowfall, the weather pattern shifted to include freezing drizzle, fog, and scattered icy patches as temperatures lingered in the 20s. The National Weather Service cautioned that these conditions could create slick roads and significantly reduced visibility, a danger that could make nighttime driving especially treacherous. Forecasters expected the fog to lift by mid-morning Saturday, improving conditions for most of the day.
A Winter Weather Advisory from the National Weather Service remained in effect starting at 7 p.m. Friday and lasting into early Saturday, highlighting the risk of a thin ice coating from freezing fog rather than additional snowfall.
Officials urged motorists to slow down and exercise extra caution. Warnique West, a snow coordinator with the District Department of Public Works, emphasized giving snow-clearing crews space to work: keep at least six feet of distance from plows to ensure salt can properly treat road surfaces.
Travel disruptions were felt beyond the District as well. In Maryland, multiple crashes and snow-related delays affected Interstate 270 between Urbana and Rockville, while in Virginia, drivers faced slowdowns and slick roads in Fairfax and Prince William counties. Transportation officials stressed the importance of adjusting speeds to the conditions and avoiding unnecessary trips.
Cold air overnight culminating Friday morning produced the first measurable snow of the season, varying by location from a trace to as much as three inches in certain areas. Unofficial snowfall tallies reported by the National Weather Service included 3 inches in La Plata, MD; 2 inches in Fair Oaks, VA, and Culpeper County, VA; and around 1–2 inches in several other communities and at local universities and airports.
The snowfall prompted many school systems to delay or cancel classes as road conditions deteriorated. The last December measurable snow event in the D.C. area before this one occurred in 2017, when Reagan National Airport recorded about 2 inches.
Looking ahead, a high-pressure system is forecast to keep the weekend largely dry and cooler, with road conditions expected to normalize by Saturday. Sunshine returns briefly on Saturday, though temperatures will remain in the 20s to low 40s, with light winds. A new weather system is anticipated to bring additional Arctic air Sunday night.
Forecast highlights:
- Friday evening: Cloudy with a risk of freezing drizzle and freezing fog; temperatures 29–35°F; northeast winds around 5 mph
- Friday night: Cloudy, cold, with further risk of freezing drizzle and fog; low 25–30°F; light winds
- Saturday: Partly sunny intervals; high 43–46°F; light west winds
- Sunday: Mostly cloudy; high 42–46°F; light southwest winds
For updates, listeners can tune to WTOP online or on 103.5 FM and 107.7 FM, and access live traffic and weather information, closings and delays, or sign up for alerts. If icy patches persist, 311 in D.C. (or the Virginia DOT portal for Virginia routes) is available to report conditions and request gritting assistance.
This event underscores how quickly a snow start can morph into a complex winter pattern, reminding residents to stay vigilant and prepared for changing conditions. Do you think the response to this snowfall—speed reductions, increased salting, and early advisories—was timely and sufficient, or should officials take even more aggressive measures when similar setups arise?
